Are Painful Periods Normal?
A question I’ve gotten recently is, Are painful periods normal? And while they are very common, they’re not actually normal—or a sign that your reproductive system is functioning at its best.
Pain is your body’s way of communicating that something is off. When periods are consistently painful, there’s usually an underlying reason.
What Causes Period Pain?
Menstrual pain is often driven by things like inflammation, estrogen imbalance, or low progesterone. These hormone shifts don’t just happen randomly—they’re influenced by several foundational aspects of your health.
Things like nutrition, gut health, and stress hormones all play a role in how your cycle feels each month. When these systems are out of balance, your body may respond with cramping, discomfort, or other period symptoms.
Simple Ways to Support Hormone Balance
There are some foundational steps you can take to begin supporting your hormones naturally.
Start by focusing on healthy fats in your diet, which help support hormone production. It’s also important to reduce exposure to plastics and artificial fragrances, since these can act as endocrine disruptors and interfere with normal hormone function.
Another key area is liver support, since your liver plays a major role in processing and balancing hormones. Adding more leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables—like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts—can help support this process.
Herbs That May Help with Period Symptoms
Certain herbs can also support hormone balance and cycle health. Two commonly used options are:
Chasteberry (Vitex), which can help support progesterone levels
Red raspberry leaf, which is traditionally used to support uterine health and menstrual comfort
These can be helpful tools when used appropriately and in the context of a personalized plan.
When Period Pain Is a Sign to Look Deeper
If you’re consistently missing work, relying on medication, or feeling like you can’t function during your period, there’s likely a deeper reason behind it.
You don’t have to just “deal with it” every month. Your cycle should be a sign of health, not something you dread.
If you’re ready to understand the root cause of your symptoms, we’d love to work with you. Together, we can identify what’s going on beneath the surface and create a plan that supports your body so you can truly thrive. You can schedule a free initial consult here!